Andrii V. Tomashchuk (Parovoz)

Soldier Andriy Tomashchuk (call sign Parovoz) was killed on May 14, 2023, in battle for the city of Bakhmut in the Donetsk region. The warrior was 32 years old. Andriy was born and lived in the village of Vorokhta, Ivano-Frankivsk region. He obtained a master's degree from the Lviv National Forestry University, specializing in "Forestry". He worked at the Hoverlianskyy Nature Reserve Research Department of the Carpathian National Nature Park. He started as a forester and later became a nature protection master. He loved the mountains and an active lifestyle. On February 25, 2022, together with his friends, the man went to defend Kyiv. He smoked all the way, which is why he was called "Parovoz" (Locomotive). In the capital, Andriy joined the ranks of the 241st separate brigade of the territorial defense. He served as a machine gunner in the "Korshun" unit of the 130th battalion. "He was strong, extremely intelligent. He loved and knew the history of Ukraine. He was always interested in military affairs, although he did not serve in the regular army. He was persistent and achieved what he wanted. Indeed, like a Parovoz, he charged forward," said the fallen defender's wife. The defender was buried in his native Vorokhta. At home, the hero was awaited by his wife Mariya, mother Mariya, and brother Nazar with his family. Andriy Tomashchuk was posthumously awarded the Order of Courage of the III degree.